Every day over the next few days, these pages will be publishing an item from a long, rich and varied piece from the daftly but aptly named website ‘Bored Panda’. Here’s the introduction – minus the rather heavy politics, but with a dash of the original, very healthy irony…
The “Solarpunk” Online Group Shares 30 Environmental Memes
It’s no secret that our planet is not in the healthiest state. Global temperatures are rising, weather disasters are increasing, more and more species are in danger of extinction, yet big corporations seem to only care about profits. We participate in “Meatless Mondays”, swear off plastic straws and cut down on car usage, but as individuals, our efforts to save the planet can often feel futile.
However, finding an online community passionate about saving the Earth is a great step in increasing our impact and spreading environmental enthusiasm. Meet the solarpunk subreddit: a group dedicated to sustainability. With the motto, “move quietly and plant things”, r/Solarpunk self-describes as “everything from a positive imagining of our collective futures to actually creating it” which includes focusing on “aesthetics, afrofuturism, art, cooperatives, DIY, ecological restoration, engineering, ecofuturism, gardening, green architecture, green design, green energy, indigenous practices, intentional community, solar power, sustainability, tree planting, urban planning, volunteering” and much more.
As with the task of saving the planet, the solarpunk description may feel overwhelming at first, but after checking out this list of their posts, I’m sure their vision will be clear. Below, we even have an interview with scientist and solarpunk activist Phoebe Tickell to help explain their mission. So slide into your vegan leather Birkenstocks, grab some home-brewed kombucha and settle in to read all about solarpunk. Then when you’re feeling like embracing your inner Greta Thunberg, check out these other Bored Panda pieces focused on reducing waste and loving Mother Earth.
Look out for postings from those memes on these pages over the next few days…